Switch device



Feb. 18, 1947. J, YOUHQUSE 2,415,858

SWITCH DEVICE Filed Jan. 28, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet l 3 7175 2@ 40 39 .27 57a e5 fob zo iNVENTOR Me@ Yauwzse B f ATE'RNEYS Feb. 1s, 1947. J, YOUHOUSE 2,415,858A

SWITCH DEVICE Filed Jan. 28, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 Il Il IIIII Ill Il Il Il Il Il Il Il 'I ll IIVA i[il|llIhIllilliiliiiIiIHilIlliillilhlllilnlilli INVENTOR reference to the Patented Feb. 18, 1947 SWITCH DEVICE Joseph Youhouse, Fairfield, Conn., assignor to Casco Products Corporation, Bridgeport, Conn., acorporation of Connecticut Application January 28, 1942, Serial No. 428,454

18 Claims.

The present invention relates to a control y switch for electric devices, especially thermal devices such as electric heating pads, wherein asplurality of power or heat adjustments are desired.

It was known heretofore to provide control means in switches for heating pads and the like with indicating means to inform the user ,of the state of adjustment, both by tactual sensation tively largeamount of heat and are subject to burning out rather frequently, their use in. switches of this type where the lamp isenclosed in va limited space and used for relatively long periods of time was not satisfactory.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a switch for controlling the heat or power input of a heating pad or thelike with adjust-v ment means operable not only lby tactual sensation, but also having an illuminating means for an indicator, generating substantially no heat within the switch, and capable of. use for'very long periods withoutvreplacegnent.

A further disadvantage of previously known devices of the aforesaid type was that the manipulatilon of the adjustment member required two hands. It is, accordingly, a furtherobject of this invention to provide 'adjustment means easily manipulated with one hand.

`Another object of the invention is to provide a compact switch of simple construction requiring a minimum number of parts for performing several circuit control operations in a simple and eilective manner, and having parts which are readily produced, for instance by stamping or molding operations and capable of assembly with maximum economy. y

One feature of the invention is the provision of a switch which can be used as a combined switch and rheostat` or as a multiple contact s switch with only minor modiiications.

Another feature of the present invention, in-

cluded when the switch comprises a rheostat, is

the provision of a resistance coil of especially simple and efficient constructionI capable of economical manufacture in 'mass production. Y

Other objects and advantages will appear herevinafter from, the description of several modifications of the switch of thepreserrt invention with accompanying `drawings in which: f

` ing the switch of Fig. 1.

( (Cl. 20o-6) Figure 1 is a plan view of a switch according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a similar view with the cover removed.

Fig. 3 is an axial vertical cross-section of the switch of Fig. 1, taken along the line 3-3.

Fig. 4 is a detail of the manual adjustment member and indicator.`

Fig. 5 is a heating pad wiring diagram includ- Fig. 6 is a plan view f a modication of the switch according to the present invention.

. Fig. 7 is alsoa plan view of the switch of Fig. 6, with the cover and certain of the parts removed to show the underlyingvmechanism.

Fig. 8 is a vertical axial cross-section of the switch of Fig. 6 along the line 8 4.'

Figs. 9a and 9b are end and side views respeta,l

tively of the resistancecoil Voi the rheostat ineluded in theswitch of Fig. 6. Y Fig. 10 is a detail of the manual adiustingmember and indicator included in the switch of Fig. 6. Fig. 1`1 is a wiring diagram including the switch of Fig. 6.

Fig. 12 is a. fragmentary view'of the switch of Fig. 6 showing a modiedarrangement of the resistance coil.

Fig. 13 is a perspectiveview of the contactor. v The switches shown in Figs. 1 and 6 include a casing zo similar in substantiauy allg/details,

which may be conveniently manufactured of molded plastic resin. The casing 20,- when asv sembled', is` of elongate shape having tapered ends and a substantially oblong, central transverse cross-section. Itis separable into two parts 20a and 20h along a substantially axial plane v parallel to its broader lateral surface. The two 1 parts are held together by means of screws 2| adjacent .opposite ends of the casing, and 'at each end, the edges of the casing parts are recessed in 'order to provide apertures 22 and 23, when the 'two halves are assembled, to receive conductors extending intothe interior of the switch.

Approximately at thenenterbf the two halves, l

I their oppositelateral edges are recessed to yform f a pair of longitudinal slots 24,l when the casingis assembled, through which an adjustment disk 25 carried within the casing, may extend. Thev casing` portion 20h is also providedV with a sight openingen aperture 2B for observing 'a visual indicator or dial 21 (or 21a),- and having, if desired, a central arrow tip 26a 'at one side thereof.

A vpair, of conductors 26 entering the casing. through aperture 22 at one end are adapted to connect the switch with a source -of electricv power. The ends of these conductors extend aardgas through grooves 29 in the interior of the casing on opposite sides thereof, and are connected to a pair of terminal screws 3d and iii carried by a web 32 formed in the casing half 2da. A raised portion or web 33 is formed inthe central wall of the casing half 2a, comprising a semicircular portion 33a adjacent the web 32., and an oblong portion 33h extending toward the opposite end of the casing. The breadth of the web 33 is such as to allow for a pair of clearance grooves 34 and 35, between the sides thereof and the its base adapted to receive the hub' er of spindle dd, and a pair 'of diametrically Opposite radial wings lilo, each having a pair of upturned lateral flanges Falle.' The lower surface-of each of the wings slib is cylindrically convex. The upturned flanges File are adapted to engage a pair of correspondingly disposed apertures 58 inthe adjusting disk 25 so that the disk 25 and conlateral casing walls, to receive connectors bypassing the said web.

A central recess 'substantially at the center of the casing half a is formed in the web 33 with an annular bearing surface 3l surrounding a central spindle-receiving cavity orbearing 38 at its base. The opposite half 20h of the casing is provided with a similar bearing cavity ii? disinstance of molded plastic material and is of generally circular shape. It comprises a hub l2 molded on spindlefj 40 on the opposite side of the disk from collar di, its "lower surface forming an abutment to engage the `bearing surface 3l. The peripheral edges of the disk 25 extend through the lateralslots 2d, so that the protruding arcuate portions of the said disk are availablefor its manipulation. By virtue of, this arrangement, the casing 2 may be held conveniently in one hand, and the disk rotated `at will by a thumb or nger of the same hand.

The peripheral edge of the disk 25 is knurledas indicated atil and is provided at intervals with buttons Mi arranged in predetermined relationship so as to provide means for adjusting the position of the disk by tactual sensation alone.

The web portion 33h of web S53 has a transverse slot l5 therein, adjacent the circular recess 3d, for receiving connector or resistor means, and beyond the-slot three screws 36, lll and la are threaded tactor 5l, when assembled as illustratedinFigs.

-3 and 4, are coupled` for mutual rotation.

A coiled compression spring 59 surrounds hub @l2 and is supported against the face (of the disk 25 at the upper end of said hub. The opposite end of the spring 59 bears upon the base of thev cup-shaped portion bla of contactor 5l. Thus, when the switch is assembled, spring 59 urges the contactor 5l toward the wall of the casing halfl 20a, and presses wings Elib toward the upper surface of web 33, while nanges Sie thereof engage the apertures 58 in the disk 25 so that the contactor is rotatable thereby.

f The tip 55 of resilient spring contact 5t is positioned beneath the lower surface of the cup-shaped portion 51a of the contactor and by virtue of its resilience, yieldably engages said contactor forming continuous electric contact therewith in all angular positions of the contactor.

The upper surface of web 33 is provided with a pair of raised portions 6Fl on opposite sides of the recess 36, having concave upper surfaces adapted to serve as insulating detents for yieldably holding the wings 51a of contactor 51 positioned transversely of the casing 20. One of these raised detents is split, as shown by the slot 56 through which the tip 55 of spring contact 5ft extends.

In the switch of Figs. l to 5, terminals d6 and it carry a pair of conductive clips'l and 62 respectively, which extend across the slot #l5 to into the web. An elevated portion of the web 33 beyond slot l5 forms an additional web Q9, which carries a pair of terminal screws` 5u and 5l adjacent end aperture 23, As indicated in Fig. 2, thexthree conductors 52a, 52h and 52o `are connected to terminal screws dit, 5ft and i8 respectively. These conductorsare adapted to connect the switch to a device such as a heating pad to be controlled.

Terminal 3@ is connected directly toy terminal "tip 55 on the spring contact 5d extends inward into the circular recess d@ through a radial groove or slot 5t in the side or" the weblSS, terminating just short of the hub d2. The spring contact AEid lis mounted so that its resilience normally urges its tip 55 toward the top of a slot 5t in web 33.

A metal contactorl comprises a circular cupshaped portion tlc having a central aperture in points adjacent the edge of the recess 35. Another clip t3, secured by screw dl, similarly extends to a point adjacent the edge of the said recess between clips di and di?. The upper surfaces `of these clips are concave to render them capable of yieldably engaging the wings lb of the contactor in the nature of impositive detents, and the concave' surfaces oi the said clips are so spaced that the detent-engaging positions of the l contactor, as determined by the three clips and by the raised portions dil on web til, are-approximately 45 apart.

A connector or bus bar lill, having its opposite ends oiset from its midportion, is positioned in slot d5 beneath clips di, @2 and d3. The offset ends thereof rest on the surface of the web adjacent the ends of slot l5 andthe inidportion thereof extends into the said slot.

Clips di and t2 are permanently connected to the ends of the bus bar 5d, as by soldering'while clip 63 is separated from the bar'by a block @i5 of insulating material and forms a ldetent for holding the contactor in one position as will be described. n

Diametrically opposite .clip Eil, a metal flange 66 embedded in web 33 and protruding therefrom is formedl with a concave cutout in its protruding edge, thus vforming an auxiliary detent cooperating with one of the wings dla when the other is engaged with clip di.

Opposite clip 62, web 33 carries a terminal screwll to which is secured a clip @d having a crimped contact surface d@ forming a pair of adjacent i-mpositive detents, respectively opposite clips S2 and 63. If desired, the metal flange @t may cooperate with the crimped surface 69 a o! clip I8 to form the detent opposite thel centra] clip 8l.

Terminal screw 61 is connected by a conductor or bus bar 18 to terminalscrew 50, and hence to conductor 52a.

A U-shaped bracket 1| secured to the web 33 by a. screw 12 carries between its arms a miniature luminous gaseous discharge tube 13, iilled with some suitable gas, such as neon, at reduced pressure. The arms of bracket 1| extend between disk 25 and the translucent dial 21 so that the lamp is aligned with the sight opening 26 below said dial. Accordingly, when the lamp is illumi nated, the indicia of the dial are, clearly visible Y in the sightopening. By using a gaseous discharge tube which generates substantially no heat, the switchmay be safely operated for a relatively long period of time without danger of ilre or damage by overheating. 4Since such lamps are not subject as are incandescent lamps to burning out, they will, in general, remain operative indefinitely.

One terminal of lamp 13 is permanently connected by means of an insulated conductor 14 to spring contact 54, as by soldering, and thus to input terminal 3|. The opposite lamp terminal is connected by a wire 15 to one end of a resistor 16, which adapts the lamp for use at the line voltage. The resistor 16 is carried in a pocket -11 in the wall of the casing half 20a. In the form coils 80 and If, including, for example, safety devices such as fuses or thermostat switches 82. Heating coil 8| is of lower power rating while heating coil 80 is of higherpower rating. One end of each heating coil is connected (at 83) to switch terminal 5| by conductor 52h. 'I'he opposite end of heating coil 80 is connected to switch terminal 50 by conductor 52a, and the opposite end'of heating coil 8| is connected to switchtermmm 4s by conductor 52e.

When switch contactor 51 is positioned transversely of the casing, as-indicated in dotted lines in the wiring diagram of Fig. 5, the circuits through heating coils 80 and 8| are open. On turning switch contactor 51 clockwise by approximately 45 its opposite ends (i. e., the wings 51h) engage detent flange 66 and clip 6| respectively. A circuit is thereby established from terminal 3| through spring contact 54 and its tip 55, to contactor 51; thence through clip 6|, bus bar 64, terminal 48, and conductor 52e to the low power heating coil 8|. From the latter,-the current returns via conductors r52h and 53, joined at terminal 50, to input terminal 30. Accordingly, when the contactor 51 is in this position, the low power heating coil of the heating pad is supplied with electric energy while the highI power heating coil through clip.l8, terminal 61 and-bus bar 16 to terminal and from there through conductor 52a to the high power heating coil 80. From the latter, the circuit again traverses conductors 52h and 53 to the opposite input terminalll. In this case, current flows in the high power heating coil, while the low power heating coil is deenergized and heat is generated at an increased rate in the pad.

Now, upon turning contactar 51, 45 further in clockwise direction, it bridges clips 62 and 68. Since the former is connected through terminal 48 and conductor 52'c to the heating coil 8| and the latter is connected through bus bar 10, terminal 50 and conductor 52a, to the heating coil 80, both heating coils are simultaneously energized in parallel, the circuits from both heating coils traversing common conductors 52h and 53 to input terminal 30. This-provides the maximum power setting for the heating pad.

Upon moving contactor 51 45 further in clockwise direction, it is brought again into transverse position, in which it ,engages insulating detents on web 33, and interrupts the heating coil circuits. Further clockwise rotation of the contactor 51 effects repetition of the above-described operations. Counterclockwise rotation of contactor 51 is likewise possible, eiecting the foregoing control operations in reverse order.

As shown in Fig. 4, the indicia on the dial 21, and the buttons 44 'on disk 25 are so arranged with reference to disk aperture 58, that when contactor 51 is positioned transversely oi the casing 2|) so that the heating coils in the pad are de- 44, extends through the slots 24 in the side walls of the casing 20.

When the disk 25 is rotated clockwise by ap. proximately 45 so as to energize the low power heating coil 8|, the word Slow.on dial 21 appears in the sight opening 26, while arcuate portions oi disk 25, each bearing a single button 44A at 'their approximate midpoint protrude through slots 24.

Further clockwise rotation of disk 25 through about 45 to energize the highpower heating coil 80 brings a pair of buttons 44 to the center of each of the protruding arcuate portions oi' the disk 25,- and the letters Med (standing for medium) on dial 21, appears below the sight opening 26.

Further clockwise rotation of the disk 25 by 45 aligns the word High with the sight opening 26,

while each protruding portion of the disk 25 now carries three buttons 44. Meanwhile, contactor 5 1 energizes both heating coils 80 and 8|.

The next clockwise manipulation of the disk 25 again positions contacter 51 transversely of the casing corresponding to the circuitinterrupting, starting position and the word Off again appears in the sight opening 26, the indicia -on the dial 21 being repeated 0n each half thereof Thus, as a result of provision of the illuminated dial, and of the buttons 44 on the periphery of the disk 25. the switch can b/el adjusted to any desired setting in the dark by tactual sensation alone, or by visual observation of the dial inthe sight opening.

The switch illustrated in Figs'. 6 to ll is similar to that of Figs. l to 5 with the following exceptions: Screw 41, its associated clip 63, bus bar 64, and insulating block are omitted, and a resistance coil 85, comprising resistance wire attacca tending toward recess 98, but having somewhat narrower contact surfaces than clips 5l and 82.

- The said clips are clamped against the opposite ends of the resistance coil 85 and form electric contact therewith. The contact surfaces of clips 81 and 88 are at instead of concave, so that they do not act as detents in the manner of clips 8| and 52.

Detent flange 66 is omitted, and clip 58 carried by terminal screw 81 is replaced by a flat sector contact 89 which extends arcuately around the side of the recess 36 opposite slot 45, terminating adjacent the raised insulating detents 58 of web 33.

Insulated conductor 14 which lioins one terminal of the pilot lamp 13 in Fig. 2 tothe spring contact 52 is omitted, and the corresponding lamp terminal is connected instead by wire 9|) to a clip 9|, carried byterminal screw 61.

The dial 21d is mounted on the spindle 48 in the same man-ner as dial 21; but together with the repeated words Off, Lw," Medium, and High, the dial bears a pair of graduated scales extending over arcs which correspond with the energizing adjustment ranges, andhaving numerical indicia which increase from low to high, said scales being visible in the sight opening 26.

As a result of the foregoing differences," contactor 51, when rotated by disk 25 out of its transverse, insulated detent-engaging position in the casing 20, forms a bridge between sector contact 89 and various points on the resistance coil 85, or its terminal clips 81 and 88, and is accordingly adapted to connect these elements with termina1 3| through the spring contact 54-55.

The wiring diagram of the switch 0f Fig. 6 and a Aheating pad to be controlled thereby is v shown in Fig. 1'1. The heating pad here comprises a main heating coil 92 with a pair of safety devices 93, such as fuses or thermostats (preferably the latter) included in its circuit. One end of the main heating coil 92 isconnected to terminal by conductor 52h, and thence through.

conductor 53 to input -terminal 39 and conductor taneously, sector' contact 89.

'28. The opposite end of the coil 92 is connected in series with a normally closed bimetal switch 94. The latter is connected through a `pair of parallel circuits to the other input terminal 3| and its associated conductor 28.

One of these circuits traverses conductor 52o to terminal 48 and its associated clip 88 at one4 end of the resistance coil 85, then through .the turns of. the latter coil included between clip 88 and contactor 51, and iinally through' the latter and spring contact 54-55 to input terminal 3|.

. The other parallel circuit from the bimetal switch' 94 to terminal 3| includes an auxiliaryl heating coil 95 in the heating pad, which is connected by conductor 52a to terminal 50. From the latter, it traversesbus bar 18, sector contact 89 and contacter 51, rejoiningthe first-described circuitiat spring contact 54--55carried by input terminal 3|.

'I'he auxiliary heating coil 95 is adapted, either alone, or in conjunction with the mainheating coil 92 to control the temperature, and hence theoperation, of the bimetallic switch 94. When' the temperature of the bimetal 94 is sufficiently raised A engagement with clip 88 at its opposite end, coill by the heat generated in coil 95, possibly supplemented by that generated in coil 92, switch 94 opens, interrupting the circuit through coil 92 as well as the aforesaid parallel circuits. On'

engages insulated /detent 69 initially engages clip 8l at one end of the resistor coil 85, and simul- Referring to the wiring diagram of Fig. 11, it will be seen that the .maximum number of turns of resistance coil is thereby included in parallel with auxiliary coil 95. Upon continued clockwise movement, contacter 51, while remaining in engagement with sector contact 89, movesl across the coil 85 including lprogressivelyjewer and fewer turns of the resistance 85 in parallel with the auxiliary heating coil 95. Finally, it reaches clip 88 at the opposite end of said resistance coil. At this point, the resistance 85 no longer remains in the circuit, While auxiliary coil is shunted, and' the'full line voltage is impressed across the terminals of the heating coil 92.

Since the auxiliary heating coil 95 is connected in parallel with thatl portion of 'the resistance 85 which is included between contactor 51 and clip 88, the current flowing through the main heating coil 92 is equal to the sum of the currents in auxiliary heatingI coil 95 and resistance 85.

In order to avoid undue generation of heat in the switch, the resistance of auxilary coil 95 is made very much smaller than that of the main 4heating coil 92, so that the maximum power 'the main heating coil 92, and accordingly, heats the bixnetallic switch 94 with maximum rapidity causing .it to open in the shortest possible time interval afterclosure of the circuit. As the resistance of that portion of resistor 85 included in' the circuit is decreased by clockwise rotation of contacter 51, coil 85 carries more and more of the current, and auxiliary heater 95.1essrand less, so

` that the interval 'between each closure of the circuit and the succeeding interruptionv thereof by the bimetal. switch 94 becomes correspondingly longer. Finally,` when coil 85 is cut out of the circuit entirely by movement, of contactor `51 into 95 carries substantially no current, and --the closed-circuit interval of switch 94 becomes maximum. In fact, with this adjustment, the switch 94 isl responsive only to' .the heat generated by coil 92, or if the latter is notarranged to operate the bimetal switch, it remains closed, leaving the control of the circuit to the auxiliary devices 98 vwhich in this case are thermostats.

l Since the rate of cooling of the switch 94, which determines the time interval required Vfor its rel closing the circuits isA substantially the` same under any given conditions of use beinga function of radiation and conduction of heat by the surrounding media, the longer the circuit-closing period of switch 94 becomes as a result of the aforesaid adjustment, of contact 51, the greater is the cumulative or average electrical energy`converted andere by heater coil 8.2 in a unitperiod of time, and the greater becomes the amount of heat generated in 4disk 25 beyond the point where contactor 51 engages clip 88, returns the contactor to its transverse position in which it engages insulated detents 88, and interrupts the circuit, not only to -the resistance coil 85 and its associated circuits, but also to .the sector contact 89'.

As indicated in Fig. 11, lamp 13 is connected, in series with its resistor 16, between terminal 38 and sector contact 89. Accordingly, in this case, the lamp is energized to illuminate dial 21a in sight opening 28 only while switch contactor 51 is turned to an energizing or circuitlosing position. However, energization of the la p remains independent of the thermostatic switches 84 or 93 controlling the heating pad circuits. Lamp 1I could be connected to the terminals 30 and 3l as in Figs. l to 5 if it is desired to illuminate the dial 21a While the switch is turned Non.

The portion of the numerical scale on the dial 21a which lis visible at 'the center of sight opening 28 gives an empiricall indication of the power setting, while the accompanying words Low, "Medium and High which are similarly visible, characterize the general state of adjustment.

By this means, unwinding of the" wire'is-efiec tively prevented 'and no special fastening means is required therefor.

To complete the coil, the insulation is removed from the outer surface of the wire 85 on that face of the coil 85 which is to be exposed at the top of the slot .I5 so that the turns of the coil are adapted to form electrical contact with oonltactor 51,`and with clips 81 and 88. or Bia, 62a

and 63a.

Variations and modifications may be made i within the scope of this invention and portions of the improvements may be used Without others.

When the lamp is extinguished the switch is Oft The buttons provide a tactual means for determining the setting of the switch in the same-manner as in the case of the switch of Figs. 1 to 5.

In a modification of the switch of Figs. 6 to l1,

^ shown in Fig. v12, clips 81 and 88 may be replaced by clips Gla and 62a, which are similar in shape to clips 6IV and 82, and a clip 58a similar to clipl y 63; and carried by a' terminal screw 41a, may be employed in 'conjunction .with the, resistance coil 85 of Figs. 6 to 1l. Clips Bla and 62a, like clips 81 and 88 engage` opposite ends of the resistance coil 85, while clip 83a engages. the approximate `midpoint of the said coil. rIhe contact surfaces of the three clips are concave, so as to form detents cooperating with the movable contactor 51 as inthe case of clips 8|, 62 and 83 of Figs. l to 5. Qperation of this modification is similar to ".that'ofthe switch of Figs. 6 to 1-1 except that the Vportion cf the' resistance coil 85 included in the vcirt'su'itds'` not universally variable. Only three closedv circuit adjustments are possible, namely,

'flowfvf-mediumf cr high, corresponding to in 4c l i'onof all, half or none of ythe turns of coil dial l21a when 4the arrangement of Fig. 12

tary core, the core 88 consists of two separate rectangular halves. Resistance wire y88," having anginsulating coating', is wound around the juxtaposed halves of the core 88, inserting the oppostie ends 81 of the said wire between the ends of thetwo halves adjacent the ends or the coil.

I claim:

1.. In a switch for selectively connecting a pair of circuits singly or jointly to a currenty supply, a movable switch member having a pair of in- -terconnected spaced contact means movable thereby into a series of spaced control positions; means for connecting said contact means to said current supply; and a pair of mutually insulated fixed contact means respectively connected to said circuits, said contact means having spaced contact surfaces so arranged with reference to the Path of movement of said interconnected movable contact means that either of the latter `is l adapted to engage said fixed contact means and so that the two movable contact means are respectively adaptedto'engage said fixed contact means alternately in a pair of consecutive control positions of the switch member, to engage them simultaneously in a third consecutive posi'- tion and to disengage said fixed contact mean in a. fourth consecutive position.

,2. In a switch for selectively connecting a pair of circuits singly or jointly to a 'current supply,

a `pivoted switch member pivotally movable into having a pair of interconnected angularly spaced Y contact means movable therewith and substantially equidistantirom the pivot axis; means for connecting said contact means to said current supply; and a pair of mutually insulated fixed contact means having spaced contact surfaces disposed in a common plane in a circle about said pivot axis for selective engagement by said movable contact means, said fixed contact means being so arranged that the said movable contact f means -arerespectively adapted to engage said fixedicontact means. alternately in a pair of consecutive control vpositions of said switch member and to engage said fixed contact means simulta- I neously in a third consecutive position.

3. In a switch vfor selectively connecting a pair of circuits singly or jointly to a current supply, a switch member mounted for rotation about a fixed axis; a contactor lhaving a pair of arms extending in opposite directions from the axis of rotation of said switch member and rotatable ithereby around said axis into'a series of angularlyspaced control positions; means for connecting said contactor to a source of electric current; fixed contact meansconnected to one of said circuits `and adapted to be engaged by one ,of the arms of said contactor. in a pair of consecutive control positions thereof and to be disengaged .in a third control position ;v and fixed contact means' adapted .to be engaged by the opposite arm of said contactor in only one of said positions and by either arm in said third contac- `tor position, rsaid contactor having a fourth position in which neitherof said fixed contact means is engaged, said fixed contact means lying in a common plane.

4. In a switch for selectively connecting a pair i 'iii of circuits singly/or jointly to acurrent supply, a switch member mounted for rotation about a fixed axis; a contactor having s pair of arms extending in opposite directions from the axis' of rotation of said switch member and rotatable thereby around said Vaxis into a series of angularly spaced control positions; means for connecting said contacter to a source of electric current; fixed contact means connected to one of said circuits and adapted to be engaged by either arm of said contacter vsolely in a pair rof consecutive positions thereof; and fixed contact means connected to the other circuit and adapted to be y 'engaged by the opposite `arm of said contacter in one of said positions and by either armof said contacter in a third position adjacent the other of said consecutive positions, said contact means being disengaged in the latter of said consecutive positions and said contacter having a fourth position in which neither of said contact means is engaged.

5. In a switch for selectively connecting a pa1r i of circuits singly or jointly to a current supply, a

switch member mounted for vrotation about a fixed axis; a contacter having a pair of arms extending in opposite directions from the axis of rotation of said switch member and rotatable Athereby into a series of control positions around said axis; means for connecting said contacter to asource of electric current; fixed contact means connected to one of said circuits adapted to be engaged by one arm of said contacter solely in a pair of consecutive control positions; and

, xed contact. means connected to the otherpf said circuits and adapted te be engagedby the consecutive positions and in a third position adjacent the other of said positions, but not in the latterof said consecutive positions, said contac- `tor having a fourthposition adjacent the iirst 40 of said consecutive positions in which neither of said contact means is engaged-by the contacter.

6. A switch as dened inv claim 5, wherein both of said iixed contact means are equi'ciistant from the axis of rotation of said contactor, and the arms of the-latter are of equal length so that they occupy each of said yfour positions twice during' each complete revolution thereof.

7. A switch as deilned in claim 5, wherein said fixed contact means are equidistant from -the axis of rotation of said contactor, and the arms of the latter are of equal length so that they occupy each of said 'four positions twice during each completel revolution thereof, said switch comprising impositive yieldable dete`nt means for retaining said contacter inieach of said control positions. i

8. In a multiple position. switch, afcasing; a switch operator rotatably mounted and disposed within the casing, said operator-having a part of the periphery thereof projecting from the casing for manual engagement; a. switch member coupled with said switch operator for rotation there,-

with` and axially slidablerelative-thereto; la plurality of angularly spaced mutually insulated contact means in a plane /normal to the axis of rotation of said switch operator; means for yieldably urging said switch member into engagement with said contact means; fixed contact, means adapted to engage said switch'member adjacent 9. In a multiple position switch, ya casing; va switch operator rotatablymounted and disposed 70 its axisof rotation; and means-foryieldably vurgv ing the latter contact means into engagement with saidv switch member.

/ within the casing, said operator having a part of the periphery thereof projecting from I,the casing for manual engagement; a contact-bridging member coupled with said switch operator for 5 rotation therewith and axially slidable relative thereto, said bridging member having oppositely disposed interconnected contactv arms extendingl radially from the axis of rotation, each ofi said arms having a contact surface thereon; a pluralplanegnormal to the axis of rotation of said switch operator and-adapted to be engaged by the con-- tact surfaces on the arms of said switch member; yieldable means engaging said switch member intermediate said contact surfaces for urging it ihto engagement with said contact meant llxed contact means adapted to engage ysaid .switch member intermediate its contact surfaces; and means for yieldably urging the latter contact means into engagement with said switch member.

l0. In a, multiple positionl switch', a casing; a switch operatingdisk rotatably mounted Aand disposed within the casing, the periphery of the disk projecting from the casing for manual entactorhaving a centralcup-shaped portionl with a central aperture at its base'adapted to receive the hub oi said disk.; a pair of interconnected contacting arms extending radially outward on opposite sides from said cup-shaped portion; in-

ity of angularly spaced fixed contact means in a gagement; a hub integral with said disk; a conterengaging means on said arms and said disk coupling the contacter thereto for rotation therewith, said contacter being axially slidable relative to the disk; a bearing surface having an annu-'-- lar series of contacts thereon concentrically ar-` K ranged relative to said disk and selectively en- `gageable With`the arms of said contacter uponrotation thereof a compression spring 'surrounding the hub of said disk, supported at one end by the| disk' andv at the` other endby the cupshaped portion of said contactor, said springurging'the ends of said contacter-against said bearing surface; and iixed yieldable contact means tion of said switch member.

' erture at its base, a-pair of .arms extending radion each of said arms bent upwardlyl in lthe same direction substantially at right angles to the plane of said arms.

of coallgned bearing means in said casing pori {tions respectively; aA switch-operating disk located within said casing and having a hub and supported fonrotation in said bearings, said disk being accessible on the exterior of said casing for manual rotation; a switch member comprising a central cup-shaped portion with. a central aper- Iture therein through which the hub of the'disk extends; a pair of arms extending radiallyin opposite directions from said cup-shaped portion; and interengaging means on'said disk and said arms fori coupling the disk-and switch member together for rotation, said switch member-remaining free-to slide axially relative to said disk; a support integral with one of said casing portions having a recess concentric with said bearving' means for receiving the cup-shaped portion of said switch means; contact means on said support distributed along a circle concentric with the ,bearing axis 'and adapted to be selectively 11.1A-switch contacter of sheet metal having*4 a central cup-shaped portion with a central ap" resiliently engaging the central cup-'shaped por-.

ally in opposite directions from the edg/e of said cupshaped portion; and ai pair of latral flanges 12. 'A switch comprising a separable casing havinga .base portion and a cover portion; a pair 1 13 engaged by the arms of said switch member upon rotation thereof by said disk; a compression spring surrounding the hub of .said disk, engaging the latter at one end andbearing against, the cup-shaped portion of said switch member at the other end, said spring urging the arms of said switch member into engagement with said contacts; and a spring contactor resiliently engaging the lower surface of said cup-shaped memben,

said spring contact extending into said recess through a channel in said-support.

13. A switch for an electric appliance comprising a hollow, elongate casing tapered at opposite ends and separable into two parts substantially along a longitudinal axial plane, the edge at a ,side of at least one of said parts being cut away 14. A switch for controlling an electric appliance comprising a hollow, elongate casing tapering at opposite ends thereof; a pair of apertures at opposite ends of the casing for receiving elec-A trical conductors to connect the switch to a source of current and to a device to be controlled; a longitudinal slot in the side wall of the casing; and a switch-operating disk rotatably mounted within the casing and having an arcuate peripheral portion thereof protruding through said switch for manipulation of the switch.

15. A switch for controlling an electric appliance comprising a hollow, elongate casing having a pair of apertures at opposite ends thereof to receive electrical conductors connecting the switch respectively to a source of current and to a device to be controlled; a sight aperture in a side wall of the casing, and a longitudinally disposed slot in an adjacent side wall substantially at right angles to the first-named wall; a switch-operating disk rotatably mounted within the casing having an arcuate peripheral portion protruding through said slot for manipulating the switch; and indicator means rotatable by said disk, disthe side wall of the casing and said web portion for receiving connector means joining terminal means adjacent one end aperture to the terminal means adjacent the opposite end aperture.

17. In a switch, a hollow, molded casing having two portions separable along a predetermined plane; cutaway portions at the edges of at least one of said casing portions forming apertures at opposite ends of the casing for receiving conductors; coaligned bearing means in the respective portions of the casing for receiving a rotatable operating member rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the plane of separation of the casing portions; a thickened web in one of said casing portions surrounding said bearing means;'

posed adjacent the side wall containing said sight opening and having an eccentric portion thereof visible in the sight opening. e

16. In a switch, a hollow, molded casing hav-- ing two portions separable along a predetermined plane; cutaway portions in the edge of at least one of said casing portions forming apertures at I opening,`

terminal means carried by said web adjacent opposite ends of the casing: a groove extending from one end of the easing to the other between the side wall of the casing and said web portion for receiving connector means joining terminal means adjacent one end aperture to the terminal means adjacent the opposite end aperture; a cutaway portion in'the lateral edge of at least one of said casing portionsV forming a longitudinally extending lateral slot when the casing is assembled,

and a movable switch operator mounted in the casing and protruding through said slot.

18. A switch comprising an elongate, hollow casing; a slot extending centrally along a side of the casing; bearing means within the casing located opposite the midpoint of said slot; a spindle supported by said bearing means substantially perpendicular to a plane including the slot; a switch-adjusting rotary disk carried by said spindle having an arcuate portion extending through said slot for manipulating the switch; a translucent dial carried by the spindle adjacent a wall of the casing and spaced from said disk; a sight opening in said wall of the casing located above an eccentric portion of the dial a bracket supported within the casing and extending between the disk and the dial adjacent the sight opening; and a luminous gaseous discharge tube supportedby said bracket and adapted-to illuminate the portion ofthe dial visible in the sight J OSEPH YOUHOUSE.

' REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,101,430 Goldbert et al Dec. 7, 1937 2,117,966 Lobl May 17, 1938 2,203,236 Randolph et al. June 4, 1940 1,885,633 Schellenger Nov. 1, 1932 1,689,809 Vaughan Oct. 30, 1928 2,259,258 McCormick Oct. 14, 1941 2,053,948 Edwards Sept 8, 1936 2,115,059 Hail April 26, 1938 2,128,279 Allison Aug, 30, 1938 1,940,525 Brentley Dec. 19, 1933 1,967,519 Soi-eng July 24. 1934 2,033,252 Parker Mar.v 10, 1936 1,678,129 Tuttle July 25, 1928 2,343,008

Grossman Feb. 29, 1944 

